High School | Academic Programme

We are registered with the Independent Examination Board (IEB). We are members of ISASA (Independent Schools of South Africa, the CSO (Catholic Schools Office) and we have full accreditation with UMALUSI. Our school follows the National Senior Certificate.

Our Staff are highly qualified passionate educators and are subject specialists in their field. Many Staff take up leadership roles within the administration and development and training of their subject.

Grade 8 and 9 follow the General Education and Training Certificate Curriculum. The assessment is continuous throughout the year with examinations taking place midyear and in November.

In 2017, E-Days were introduced on some Wednesdays. These days allow for Enriching and Exciting teaching and learning where whole sections of work can be covered or revised. Excursions relating to subjects are undertaken too.From 2018, all Grades 8 to 10 students use iPads as a learning tool and teaching takes place on Google Classroom. Students receive notes, summaries, mind maps and videos from their educators on a daily basis. Textbooks and exercise books are also used, since IEB Examinations are still of the Pen-and-Paper variety.

Grade 10 – 12, we offer the following compulsory subjects:

Languages Department

English (Home Language)

English Home Language in the Further Education and Training Phase is one of the four compulsory learning areas required in order to attain the final school-leaving certificate.

English is tremendously dynamic and bears great relevance to the students’ day-to-day lives. Through English the student is encouraged to master a wide variety of skills required in order to become an effective member of society. These skills include the ability to communicate (both verbally and in writing) and to comprehend as well as process, a wide range of texts (such as films, poetry, novels and plays). These combined skills will ensure the students are able to interact effectively with their surrounding world.

Virtually all instruction in this institution (and within the wider South African context) is performed through the medium of English, and thus acquisition and improvement of advanced communication skills only serves to benefit the student in the long run. At Marist Brothers (Linmeyer) our goal in the English department is to nurture and enhance the students’ ability to engage fruitfully with this world.

Afrikaans (First Additional Language)

Afrikaans is a compulsory subject. Our learning programme includes one set work book, poetry, language and creative writing. It is extremely important to build up a good vocabulary bank to be able to understand, speak and write Afrikaans. We follow the Afrikaans (FAL) SAGS of 2015; this document specifies the topics and assessment that are prescribed.

Mathematics Department

Core Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy

According to the FET and GET curriculum, everyone has to study a form of Mathematics. The new Curriculum Assessment Policy is followed by all grades in Mathematics. This curriculum covers the fundamental theory, knowledge and skills involved in Algebra, Calculus, Functions, Probability, Financial Mathematics, Sequences and Series, Trigonometry, Euclidean Geometry, Analytical Geometry and Statistics.

There are two options for students to consider when they reach Grade 10, namely Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy. Most of the students entering Grade 10 will study Mathematics. Students who continue to achieve below 40%, in Mathematics, will need to change to Mathematical Literacy. Mathematical Literacy is a designated subject. This means that it is recognized as part of the calculation of an APS score that is used in selection for certain degree courses at Tertiary Institutions. Some faculties at tertiary institutions will require Mathematics, such as Science, Engineering and most Bachelor of Commerce degrees.

Mathematical Literacy is a completely different subject to Core Mathematics. It is most definitely not the “old standard grade” Mathematics. It provides the students with an awareness and understanding of the role that Mathematics has in the real world. The subject is centred on life-related applications of basic mathematical skills. There are many faculties that will accept Mathematical Literacy – all Humanities faculties, except for Speech and Hearing Therapy at WITS.

Students do find Mathematics a stressful subject but, at Marist Brothers Linmeyer, we have excellent educators and if any student has a problem with homework or with the grasping of a concept in the classroom, they should be encouraged to book an academic support and enrichment lesson. All our grades write assessments regularly. Assessments cover the work taught in the previous weeks, which gives educators, students and parents a clear understanding of the progress made by the students. Assessments and examinations are set in accordance with the standards set by the I.E.B.

Students, in Grade 12, attend a compulsory Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy Camp in the first term. This camp will further develop their problem-solving and analytical skills while fostering their passion for Mathematics. Through modeling, graphing and solving real-world problems, participants will refine their problem-solving strategies. Additionally, games, puzzles and logic and reasoning challenges will provide fun opportunities for teamwork and confidence building activities.

Advanced Programme Mathematics

We are proud to offer Advanced Programme Mathematics as a subject for our students. This subject helps prepare our students for any mathematical or matrices course they choose to study at university. We choose our top Grade 9 students to study Advanced Programme Mathematics in Grade 10; this year 33 of our students are enrolled in this programme, having all achieved a Grade 9 Mathematics promotion result of 80% and higher. A.P. Mathematics is taught via a Dropbox site created by the school. Lessons take place on a Monday from 14h00 to 15h00 for Grade 10, in the auditorium and 14h00 to 15h30 for Grades 11 and 12. The AP Maths educator teaches the Grade 11 and Grade 12 students the work on alternating Mondays.

Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in Mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159. Pi is calculated to over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point. As an irrational and transcendental number, it will continue infinitely without repetition or pattern. While only a handful of digits are needed for typical calculations, Pi’s infinite nature makes it a fun challenge to memorize and to try to calculate more and more digits.

For the elective component the students select three from the following:

Sciences Department

The Sciences Department make use of E-days to incorporate hands-on practical experiences such as The Scientific Method, Mole Day and Photosynthesis and Respiration Practical. The Grade 10 Life Sciences students attend a tour to Happy Acres in Magaliesberg. The Grade 11 Life Sciences excursion is to the Ditsong Museum of Natural History in Pretoria to study biodiversity in S.A. and the Grade 12 Life Sciences excursion is to WITS’s Origins Centre to cover aspects of evolution. The Grade 12 Physical Sciences outing is to NCP Chloorkop.

A number of years ago, we realised the benefit of teaching the Chemistry and Physics components of Physical Sciences completely separate in Grades 10, 11 and 12. The students alternate between Chemistry and Physics every other day. This approach allows additional time for the students to grasp new concepts and gives them the benefit of gaining the attention of two Physical Sciences educators – each with a passion for their particular component. Reflecting the individual Physics and Chemistry marks on students’ reports helps them to identify and focus on areas where they need it the most. The marks are however also combined to give an overall Physical Sciences result, which is in line with what they can expect for their final matric exams.

In order to choose Physical Sciences as a subject in Grade 10, a student must take Mathematics and achieve a minimum of 55% for Science for their Grade 9 promotion result.

Life Sciences

Life Sciences has a new approach as to HOW and WHAT students learn. This new approach is reflected in its 3 learning objectives:

Scientific inquiry and problem solving

Construction and application of Life Sciences knowledge

Life Sciences, technology, environment and society.

The subject involves a systematic study of the changing natural and human-made environment. This does not involve only learning facts, it involves embracing a way of thinking and doing which should contribute to students becoming informed, responsible, sensitive and scientifically literate citizens in their community and in SA society.

Life Sciences prepares students for careers such as medicine, bio-engineering, physiology, nursing, education, food technology, microbiology, marine biology, forensic science and environmental sciences to name a few.

Humanities Department

History

Depending on the Grade, syllabus and time available, the young historians’ excursion to various museums and places of historical interest such as the Military History Museum in Johannesburg and Liliesleaf Farm.

Geography

The Grade 11 Geography students go on a tour in February each year. We have been going to Wilgenhof Education Centre, Golden Gate in the Free State for MANY years and each year it is just as exciting as the year before. The scenery is spectacular and the learning experiences awesome. However, the most important aspect of the tour is the opportunity for staff and students to get to know one another on an entirely different level in a breathtaking environment. The E-Days that were introduced last year have opened up a world of opportunities for students to experience the richness and diversity of the beautiful subject of Geography in entirely different ways.

Life Orientation

Life Orientation covers two different areas at Marist Brothers Linmeyer during lessons, Guidance and Citizenship and Physical Education. The Grade 9 students are guided in their Subject Choices during class time and Psychometric testing is carried out. The Grade 11s attend a Leadership Camp and the Grade 12s attend the Career Road show and a camp on which they complete their Matric Portfolio Tasks. Religion lessons also form a huge part of our holistic education.

Practical Subjects Department

Engineering Graphics and Design

Engineering Graphics and Design is a combination of lines, symbols and signs used to render services and design processes and systems that contribute towards economic growth and enhanced quality of life.

Designers use drawings when developing ideas. Well-prepared engineering drawings are used to communicate with manufacturers of components and devices. These drawings describe products and include instructions about manufacturing, assembly and operation. Clear, complete and accurate drawings help to prevent expensive and/or dangerous mistakes.

Engineering Graphics and Design is a graphic language incorporating the following:

The ability to visualize or perceive a graphic;

Knowledge and understanding of principles and practices;

Freehand, instrument and CAD drawings, and

The Design Process.

Students who take EGD require skills in listening, speaking, reading, thinking, mathematical ability and grammar at a high level. These skills will enable them to reason independently and critically, using language. They should consider and debate important issues such as those concerning human rights and the environment, and should realize that problems can have multiple solutions. Whilst Mathematics is not a prerequisite, it is strongly advised. Students should also be keen, flexible and inquisitive enough to obtain and evaluate information for themselves. They should show an active interest in Engineering Technology and particularly Engineering Graphics and Design.

The main topics of EGD:

​General drawing principles for all technological drawings

Free-hand drawing

​Instrument drawing

​First-angle and third-angle orthographic projections

​Descriptive and solid geometry

​Mechanical working drawing

​Civil working drawing

​Isometric drawing

​Perspective drawing

​Electrical diagrams

​Interpenetrations and developments

​Loci of helixes, cams and mechanisms

​The Design Process

​CAD (Computer-Aided Drawing/Design)

The specific aims of EGD are to teach the following:

Graphical drawings as the primary means of communication in the technological world

Specific basic content and concepts within the contexts of Mechanical Technology, Civil Technology and Electrical Technology

Various instrument and freehand drawing techniques and skills

Solving technological problems through graphical drawings

The application of the Design Process

The implementation of CAD (Computer Aided Drawings/Design) as a drawing method. For this reason, a suitable laptop is required to take Engineering Graphics and Design.

EGD provides the fundamental knowledge and drawing skills required for the following careers:

Essay-writing skillsThe Grade 11 students will be completing a Still-life Activity during their E-Day.

The Grade 12 syllabus covers:

The History of Art dealing with various relevant movements and contexts.

Exploration with various disciplines, styles and methods focusing on contextual research, drawing and artwork.

Essay-writing skills During E-Day, the Grade 12 students will be touring the Bag Factory.

Dramatic Arts

Is your student looking for a subject that allows him/her the chance to express his/her inner creativity? Is your student interested in the world of entertainment and does he/she find excitement in either performing for others or collaborating in creating exciting, fun productions? Then Dramatic Arts is likely to be a door into an intensely fulfilling learning area!

Dramatic Arts allows students to enter the world of the stage, to explore its origins and development. It contains both theoretical and practical elements (including physical performance, writing, costume and set design). Together, these elements enable the student to participate actively and potentially pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

It must be emphasised that this subject, while very practical, is academically challenging. Students need to engage with dramatic literature in a critical way. They have to read and analyse plays ranging from the ancient Greek drama to Shakespeare to modern drama.

In terms of the practical work, the students need to be able to commit large amounts of words to memory. A student who is unable to learn words “by heart” will not cope with the practical challenges.

Dramatic Arts is a fully designated subject, accepted by all universities and positively looked on as a subject by all faculties, including science and engineering, as the subject encourages students to confidently present their own ideas in a creative way. The very nature of the subject develops confidence and the ability of the students to interact with others in a refreshing and innovative way. Dramatic Arts is ideally suited to the free-thinker; the person who wants to walk a different road.

The topics in the Accounting SAGS 2015 fit in and correspond directly with current learning in the Higher Education and Training curriculum. Our Learning program in Accounting enables students to continue with their studies in further and/or higher educational institutions and professional bodies. This includes the fields of financial, cost, managerial accounting and auditing. Accounting enables them to develop skills, knowledge, values and attitudes which will assist in developing a positive work ethic.

Business Studies

In Business Studies the student will progressively gain knowledge about the operations within a business such as Marketing, Production, Human Resources, etc. as well as the environment within which a business operates for example, competitors, governmental influences and globalization.

They will have the opportunity to acquire skills of application, analysis and evaluation since knowledge gained is integrated practically within the dynamic business world.

Computer Applications Technology (CAT)

CAT is one of the non-designated subjects. Universities do acknowledge this subject as points towards acceptance. It also gives students a credit for their first year Computer Literacy courses at most universities.

This is an excellent subject choice for any students considering running their own business in the future as it provides them with all the necessary skills to communicate effectively and efficiently in the modern electronic world we live in.